Important Copyright Information

All content of this blog is protected by copyright law
unless otherwise stated. Photos, text and artwork are the property of Lisa Swifka. All rights reserved. If you would like to use any of my blog content/photos, please make sure you give me proper credit and link back to me. Content of this site may not be reproduced in any other manner without written permission. Simply contact me via e-mail. Thank you so much.

Entries categorized "Gypsy caravan project"

Several people commented about the gypsy wagon that appeared in my story. I wanted to tell you all that it started out looking completely different and of course I forgot to take the before shot. Many years ago I bought what was a covered wagon, all plain wood and the top a distressed canvas. It had a few implements and tools attached to it and a couple of sacks on the inside. For years now it's been stored in the garage until one day nearing the party I caught sight of it and it just hit me......transform it! So I painted parts of it, including the top, added beaded trim, the "flag" using beading trim and wire ribbon, added some china tea things, a chair etc until it began to look more gypsy than prairie. If I had thought of it sooner I would have done a better design on the top but it's fine for what it is. I did some quick shots and realized they look a bit blurry, sorry about that.The frontside 1backside 2

Since transforming that wagon I talked to G and he has agreed to help me build one from scratch. This wagon above is roughly 11" long (not including yoke) and at the highest 8" high and about 5" wide.The one I want to build will be much, much bigger. It will have a working door and windows and all sorts of details. I've been looking on the internet and saving various photos of actual wagons for capturing design and look. The dimensions have not been determined yet as this is still in the "design" phase - obviously it won't be life size...... more like a really big doll house but it will be a gypsy caravan instead. AND to go along with this we are also going to build a traveling Gypsy Theater that the caravan will pull. Think of the storytelling!The above is from Germany. Isn't it amazing?

I also have some art dolls on the design table that will go with our caravan as well.I can't wait to get started - this will be a fun winter project ,something we can do together (he's a handy guy with tools). Who knows? If we like our results maybe we could make more and sell them. You never know, right?

Look at these, of course we don't have dillusions of such grandeur for ours but WOW!(and keep in mind these are the REAL deal)Click on the image above and see wagons some people are selling in the UK.There are various manufacturers out there who make new ones or transform regular trailer under carriages into replica caravans.<><><><><><><><><>This "waggon" (British spelling) is 100 years old. Interior view. Where you see the tiling on the left of the photo is where the stove would go. There is a metal stove pipe that goes through the roof and the stoves that fit these caravans are very valuable to antique dealers. Doesn't that bed look cozy in the back?This is a view of the rear. Just look at all the detailing throughout this caravan or waggon (we're talking carved wood here).I read that these authentic originals are hard to come by as often times they are burned when the owner dies. This one sold in the UK for over $37,500. (and they said it could be shipped to the US). Where would I put it if I owned it? In the back yard of course! (with an alarm attached - ha!)There is so much history to these and so many various styles and designs. Some had the bow top and some did not. So many intricate carvings, colors and details make them works of art.

Wouldn't it be spectacular to have a life size one in the backyard? It
would be rather impractical as a full art studio unless it was GIANT but it
would make for a fun place to sit and read, draw, listen to music with a cup of tea, don't you think? Do you, too, have an inner gypsy who would love to own a real caravan? What would you do with it if you had one? <><><><><><><><>On a whole other note.............Recently Monica announced the winners for the Pink Project auction. I was lucky enough to win two things from the list of donated prizes, both jewelry. Today I received the first of my winnings which is an absolutely lovely sterling and turquoise necklace. The minute I unwrapped it I knew it was SO me. Thank you Gail!

<><><><><><><><><>G has been away for the last 5 days so I am looking forward to his return this evening. We both feel that when the other is away the house just doesn't feel right. Hmm, maybe I'll bake some pumpkin bread (his fave) later and have it waiting for him!

I hope you all had a nice weekend and you are having a good start to your week. Again time is flying by as it's nearly November already. I sure hope we get some true Fall weather to prove it!Oh yes, Halloween is Friday.....I keep thinking it's already over.